Sustainable mobility with equitable public transportation is now one of the keys to reducing carbon emissions in big cities. With cars and motorcycles crowding the streets and pollution blanketing the urban skyline, there is an urgent need to adopt a more environmentally friendly way of moving around.
Global Carbon Atlas data (2024) notes that the transportation sector accounts for about 29% of total global CO₂ emissions, with motor vehicles as the main contributor. In Indonesia alone, the figure touches 47% of energy sector emissions (KLHK, 2024). In Jakarta, congestion is still one of the myriad problems that have not been resolved properly, making travel time increase up to 46% longer than usual (TomTom Traffic Index, 2024).
Since the operation of the Jakarta MRT in 2019, more than 120 million passengers have used this mode of transportation until March 2024. Transjakarta is also experiencing a surge in the number of users; people are starting to show changes towards a more environmentally friendly direction in the use of transportation.
Young people have a key role to play in creating change towards a greener and more environmentally friendly transition.
With a collaborative spirit of creativity and environmental stewardship, the younger generation can be an instrument of change to drive the movement towards a more livable city. Environmentally friendly public transportation is not just about electric cars but about lifestyle choices by walking, cycling, and using public transportation.
In the full sense of responsibility and Enter Nusantara’s commitment to encourage public awareness and involvement, especially among young people, Enter Nusantara has successfully held Enter Talks with the Gang-gangan on Saturday, April 19, 2025, with the theme “Down the Alley: Traces, Stories & Green Transportation.”
The Gang-gangan community is a collective that documents the life of alleyways in Indonesian villages, particularly in Yogyakarta, through casual walks, photography, and writing. They share these archives via social media and blogs, inviting the public to participate in exploration without emphasizing individual identities, focusing instead on daily life and collective archiving.
This event successfully brought together 15 selected young participants out of many enthusiastic applicants. With limited slots available, the participants explored alleyways and public spaces around the Blok M area, engaging in discussions about the role of green transportation in reducing carbon emissions and revitalizing urban spaces as inclusive, clean, and sustainable environments.
Not only discussing public transportation, the participants were also presented with a fun game session that builds cohesiveness, as well as a warm and fun introduction session. Through interactive games and fun icebreakers, the participants got to know each other better, exchanging stories about their experiences in using public transportation, as well as their hopes for a more environmentally friendly future of the city. This intimate and enthusiastic atmosphere further ignited the spirit of collaboration and concern for green transportation issues among young people.
Is not just a means of getting from one place to another. Equitable public transportation is the foundation of social, economic, and cultural life in a city. Jakarta has made significant progress in developing its public transport system through the introduction of the MRT, TransJakarta, and increasingly integrated modes of transport and this deserves recognition. However, access to safe, comfortable, and affordable transportation remains uneven, especially in peripheral areas and among vulnerable groups. This is where the importance of truly equitable public transportation lies: mobility that leaves no one behind.
We hope that especially young people, to start using public transportation that is more environmentally friendly in order to create a cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable city for all. Because big changes start from simple, small steps, let’s together create a healthy and sustainable environment by using public transportation!
